NHTSA to Investigate Airbag Failures in Hyundai and Kia Vehicles

An estimated 425,000 vehicles manufactured by Hyundai and Kia may suffer from a defect that keeps the airbags from deploying during a head-on crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it will investigate six head-on crashes involving these vehicles where the airbags failed to deploy. As of mid-March, the auto defect was responsible for four deaths and six injuries.

According to NHTSA, the investigation covers 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2012 and 2013 Kia Forte vehicles. Investigators have determined the issue is caused by problems with the airbag control modules, which are manufactured by ZF-TRW. It is already known that the Hyundai Sonatas included in the investigation use this computer. However, NHTSA will determine whether the Kia vehicles under investigation and additional automakers use the same product. The defect also keeps seatbelts from tightening during a head-on collision.

Hyundai issued a recall for 155,000 Sonatas in late February due to concerns over airbag failures. The recall begins on April 20. Kia has not issued a recall, despite a consumer complaint sent to NHTSA in 2015 that reported a death and injury caused by the defect. The crash occurred in Oakland, a large city in the East Bay Area of California.

Can I File an Auto Defect Lawsuit?

Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., is a Philadelphia catastrophic injury law firm with experience handling auto defect cases. In one case handled by our attorneys, we recovered a $55.3 million jury verdict for a client who suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a defective seatbelt. It was the largest verdict for an auto defect in Pennsylvania’s history.

If you or a loved one were harmed while using a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, then you should speak to one of our attorneys at no cost. We can help you determine whether it would be possible to file an auto defect lawsuit against the manufacturer or other parties. To reach our law firm, call (866) 569-3400 or use the case review form on our website. For more information on our experience with auto defect cases, please watch the video posted below.